sainter I'm pretty sure that the collective memory is no longer than 20 years. The problem now is we have media hell bent on reporting that this is "the worst ever drought", "the biggest flood etc" Historical records and property diaries will give everyone a much clearer picture. We have records for many rural areas of 135- 140 years at best. Just a blink in the climatic history of the country. I would add the drought of 1967 as being very bad. The early 1940's were devastating as well where drought dragged on for 4-5 years before finally breaking. It is reported in city media of the time that the town of Parkes went without fresh milk in 1944 as all the cows lay down and died. Can't imagine how people coped with all the men away at war.
